Isle of Wight Marathon Race

155 plucky athletes pounded their way through streets and towns amidst sweltering sunshine and soaring temperatures to take part in this years Isle of Wight Marathon Race.

The event, which is organised annually by Ryde Harriers, has been held every year since 1957 making it the longest running and, many agree, one of the most challenging marathons in the UK.

Fifty year-old Barry Hards from Fordingbridge was first to cross the finishing line on The Strand in Ryde on Sunday 11th May. He completed the race, which left Ryde at 11am and progressed via Binstead, Wootton, Newport, Rookley, Aretton, Sandown, Brading in a single lap back to Ryde in a time of three hours, 5 minutes and 32 seconds.

Bill Murphy from Ryde Harriers was the first Islander to complete 26 miles. He finished sixth with a time of three hours, 20 minutes and 21 seconds.

Scorching temperatures, blistering feet and red-hot determination

Despite there being eight drinks stations at approximately 3-mile intervals with seven sponge stations in between, nothing could relieve the runners from the unexpected overbearing force of the sun. The sudden surge in heat was of course welcomed and enjoyed by many beach-goers, gardeners, walkers and holidaymakers across the Island, but it certainly made conditions tough for the steadfast athletes, many of whom were described to be 'dropping like flies' by race marshals towards the end.

Winner Barry Hards who was representing Stubbington Green Runners admitted that the weather certainly took a toll on his stamina and said that the last 3 miles through the town where there was little or no breeze were practically unbearable. The sound of his children cheering him on as he followed the lead cyclist down East Hill Road, round onto the Esplanade before doubling back onto The Strand gave him the final push he needed to cross the finishing line.

A warm reception… and several litres of squash!

Nicholas Holmes, representing Fleet & Crookham A.C., was second to complete the course, followed by Rene Vergo and Tim Price from Solihull & Smallheath A.C. who ran the whole way together and arrived in equal time. Last year's winner, Richard Gurd from Windle Valley Runners came eighth.

The first female runner to complete the Isle of Wight Marathon was Anita Wetter from Switzerland. She completed the course in an impressive three hours, 29 minutes and 34 seconds. For a full list of men's, women's and team results, please visit the official Ryde Harriers website and click on the 'results' tab.

Members of 2nd Ryde Sea Scouts handed out medals to all the finalists, who received a warm reception from waiting friends and family plus members and volunteers of Ryde Harriers, who were on hand to distribute much needed water and squash.

Due to safety concerns the police requested that the route be amended this year meaning that its traditional start location to the south side of Ryde boating lake was moved very slightly inland. Registration remained at Ryde Rowing Club, where exhausted contenders retired following their gruelling ordeal.

A fantastic achievement for all involved

People driving in and around the Ryde area were able to witness the runners' progress for themselves as this was a road race and took place along many of the Island's main roads, including two-laps of Beaper Shute near Brading. Signs such as 'Caution Runners,' 'Runners in Road' and the brightly coloured mile markers were common place at regular intervals and on the whole, motorists proceeded carefully alongside the athletes without causing too much of a hindrance or distraction.

Whether spectating on road or on foot, it was truly exhilarating to witness the sheer focus and drive of every single entrant and no matter how long they took to complete the course, few can deny that their remarkable staying power ensured they were all winners in their own right.

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